Any land, the existing lawful use of which, at the time an applicable ordinance becomes effective, does not conform with the regulations of the district in which it is located shall have such use considered as a nonconforming use, which use may continue on such land subject to all pertinent regulations covering nonconforming uses.

Any lawful building, or the lawful use of any building existing at the time an applicable ordinance or amendment thereto becomes effective, that does not conform to use, height, location, size or bulk regulations of the district in which it is located shall be considered a nonconforming building or use and may continue in its present location, subject to all pertinent regulations covering nonconforming uses.

A nonconforming building or use shall be considered as such unless and until it complies with the regulations of the district in which it is located. By special exception, a nonconforming use of a building or premises may be changed to a use of the same or a more restrictive zoning classification.

A nonconforming use, when discontinued, may be resumed at any time within six months from such discontinuance, but not thereafter. The resumption may be of the same or similar type of use but shall not be resumed as a nonconforming use of a less restrictive zoning classification. The discontinuance for a period in excess of six months shall raise the presumption of abandonment, subject to rebuttal by the property owner, by clear and convincing evidence.

The Zoning Hearing Board shall have the discretion to determine what resumption or change of a nonconforming use is of the same class of use and permissible.

If a building containing a nonconforming use is damaged or destroyed by fire, explosion, accident or other casualty, it may be reconstructed and used for the same nonconforming use, provided that the reconstructed building shall not exceed in height, area or volume the building destroyed nor shall the reconstructed building permit a greater intensity of nonconforming use than existed before the damage or destruction. If the building reconstruction is not started within one year from the date of damage or destruction and carried on without interruption, there shall be a presumption of abandonment of the nonconforming use, subject to rebuttal by the property owner using clear and convincing evidence.

A nonconforming building which has been legally condemned shall not be rebuilt or used, except in accordance with this Zoning Code.

Zoning permits shall be required for nonconforming uses existing at the time of passage of Ordinance 1A, passed August 4, 1941, and shall be issued by the Township Code Official without charge, stating that the use is nonconforming. The Code Official shall notify an occupant of property being used as a nonconforming use, who shall apply for a zoning permit within 30 days after receipt of such notice.